State Patrol Assists More Than 350 Motorists as Winter Storm Hits Nebraska

The Nebraska State Patrol reports that troopers have assisted more than 350 motorists since Wednesday as a winter storm affected roads across the state. According to the patrol, most of those drivers were stranded on the side of the road.

Sgt. Mike Thorson said anyone who slides off the road or becomes stuck should call *55 or 911 right away. He acknowledged that many people hesitate to dial 911 when their situation is not a true emergency, but said cold conditions change that. "If you're stuck and you need help and it's really cold out, call 911," he said, adding that dispatchers will send either a sheriff's deputy or a state patrol trooper.

Troopers have concentrated mainly on the interstate, Thorson said, but they have also patrolled more local routes, including Highway 2 and the new South Beltway in Lincoln. The patrol said most of the incidents involved cars and semi-trucks that became stuck in snow or slid off slick pavement.

Thorson said troopers have kept their spirits up despite the cold and are prepared to help anyone who needs it. He described their approach on Thursday as simple: driving up and down the roads in search of vehicles in ditches or on shoulders with their flashers on. "We're not out there with the intention of making traffic stops on a day like today; it's all about just helping those that need help," he said.

The only known fatality of the storm came on Wednesday, when an 84-year-old man died in a rollover crash near York. The patrol said the man's truck lost control and struck a guard rail before rolling into a ditch.

Aside from that crash and roughly 10 other minor collisions, Thorson said troopers have primarily dealt with slide-offs and vehicles that ended up in ditches.

He noted that the *55 number works anywhere in Nebraska. The patrol is also providing round-the-clock coverage in the Lincoln area through the holiday weekend, and Thorson encouraged drivers not to be afraid to call if they need help.